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Only like a zillion choices and decisions to be made here! Where do I start? This fancy set-up needs to be inhabited!

Despite my desire to get one of every kind, I was urged to start small - 4-6 fish. This will let me become accustomed to caring for them, and it will give the filtration system a chance to build up some of the good bacteria. But I still need to choose the initial 6 (notice I immediately went from 4 fish to 6 fish -- there's no holding me back).

Because I'm starting with a freshwater tank I investigated the seven different groups of fish that survive (I hope) in freshwater. They are:

• Tetras(or Characins). True fish-shaped, usually 1-2 inches. They have fairly bright colors and live in the upper section of the tank. Gets along with other fish.
• Catfish. A usually pale, scaleless fish with whiskers (barbels--add that to your fish vocabulary). Bottom feeders who feed on remains left by the other fish, but not totally. Normally tank catfish should be 2-6 inches. Because some are "fish eaters", I'll ask before I buy.
• Barbs. Classic fish shape, and commonly known as "carp". (My Goldfish was this kind of fish.) Similar to tetras but usually stockier with a courser appearance. Not as colorful as tetras, but their 2-6 inch size makes them apparent in the tank.
• Loaches. Similar to catfish, but many have longer snake-like bodies. Tend to be more secretive, and it may be days between sightings. When active they can be fun to watch.
• Cichlids. Popular and one of the more intelligent fish. Very colorful fish type, with bands and bars. While some are peaceful, others can be very aggressive swimmers and/or fish eaters. They can range from 2 to 10 inches. The advice was to work my way up to these guys.
• Livebearing. Usually 2 inches long with flat topped heads. The male is usually smaller but more colorful than the female. They give birth to live young, which they will immediately eat if they are not separated at birth.
• Labyrinth. Similar to Cichlids. Usually 2-4 inches and taller than wide. Brightly colored. Like tanks with a lot of plant life (or plastic).

My initial population will be small (6), but I plan to add as my success (and the fish's) grows. I've been told that with my size tank, and the filtration system I'll purchase I should be able to keep 30-40 fish, depending on their size.

I'm starting out with 6 Zebra Danio's (Livebearing Family). There supposedly very hearty (and cheap). Later I'll add some Catfish, Tetras, and Barbs, and then get more adventurous with Loaches and Cichlids. Before I purchase any fish I'll tell the seller what other fish are already in residence.

Before releasing any fish into the tank I'll "wean" them from their travellin' water. Using a separate bowl I'll slowly dilute the travellin' water with tank water until I'm comfortable that most of the store's water is gone. Then they will be released. I'll observe them closely for an hour or so to make sure they're still happy (and alive!).

Also visit Cichlids forums. Your Cichlids forums and Community

Now, Please Feed Me!. Hit the following Let's Get Some Fish, and return to the original article.

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